Two clubs with playoff aspirations square off in Frisco, and both
arrive fresh off draws against the last two league titleholders. TFC
hosted reigning MLS Cup champions Real Salt Lake last Saturday at BMO
Field and played RSL to a 0-0 draw. FCD, meanwhile,
played the 2008 champion Columbus Crew to an identical score
line at Crew Stadium and extended their franchise-best unbeaten streak
to 12 games.

FCD's draw with the Crew gave the club a new MLS record with a
10-game road unbeaten streak. Schellas Hyndman’s club has been just as
tough at home, where they're 6-1-3 this season and winners of their last
four. Hyndman will be without starting right mid Atiba Harris and captain Daniel Hernandez, as
both got their fifth yellow cards of the season last weekend. RookieJackson Gonçalves could replace Harris on the right and Bruno Guarda could spell Hernandez in the
middle of the park.

Toronto FC

These clubs met in Toronto back on July 24 and played to a 1-1 draw.
Since then, the Reds have gone 1-3-1 overall and are 0-2-0 on the road.
TFC are tied with D.C. United, Houston and New England for the fewest road
wins in MLS, and this one will be tough to steal. Three crucial
components of the Reds' system – Dwayne De Rosario, Julian de Guzman and Nana Attakora – are on
international duty with the Canadian National Team.

Heroes & Villains

Toronto FC vs. FCD back line: Hyndman’s club has conceded
just 17 goals all year, with seven of those coming in Frisco. If Toronto
hope to earn a win at Pizza Hut Park, they'll need to crack a proven
defensive group that has allowed just one goal at Pizza Hut Park since
May 20. Youngster Zach Loyd – who made a goal-line stop to preserve the
scoreless draw in Columbus – could earn the start in place of injured Ugo Ihemelu (concussion).

Stat that makes you go “Hmmm”

If Hyndman decides to go with Jackson in place of Harris, FCD could
have three MLS rookies in the starting lineup on Saturday.